What is preeclampsia and eclampsia?

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During my last pregnancy, I suffered swelling and convulsion, and was diagnosed with preeclampsia which led to eclampsia according to my doctor. Please shed light on these problems?

Theresa B.

It is also referred to as toxemia, “Preeclampsia is a condition that pregnant women can get. It is marked by high blood pressure accompanied with a high level of protein in the urine. Women with preeclampsia will often also have swelling in the feet and legs and hands. 

Preeclampsia, when present, usually appears during the second half of pregnancy, generally in the latter part of the second or in the third trimesters, although it can occur earlier. Eclampsia is the final and most severe phase of preeclampsia and occurs when preeclampsia is left untreated. In addition to the previously mentioned symptoms, women with eclampsia often have seizures.”

The exact causes of preeclampsia and eclampsia are not known, although some researchers suspect poor nutrition, high body fat or insufficient blood flow to the uterus as possible causes. Preeclampsia is most often seen in first-time pregnancies and women over 40. Other risk factors are:

1. A history of chronic high blood pressure prior to pregnancy. 

2. Previous history of preeclampsia. 

3. A history of preeclampsia in mother or sisters. 

4. Carrying more than one baby.

5. History of  diabetes, kidney diseases etc.

In addition to swelling, protein in the urine, and high blood pressure, symptoms of preeclampsia include:

1. Rapid  weight gain caused by a significant increase in bodily fluid. 

2. Abdominal pain and severe headaches .

3. A change in reflexes and reduced output of urine or no urine. 

4. Blood in urine and dizziness. 

5. Excessive  vomiting and nausea. 

How is treated?

The only real cure for preeclampsia and eclampsia is the birth of the baby. Mild preeclampsia can be managed with careful hospital or in-home observation along with activity restriction. The treatment for more severe preeclampsia may require more emergent treatment - delivery of the baby - irrespective of the baby’s age.

Other treatments include:

1. Use of Magnesium Sulphate to prevent eclampsia-related fitting. 

2. Use of antihypertensive drugs to manage severe elevations of blood pressure. 

3. Monitoring fluid intake

Swelling after giving birth

I have been a mother for about three weeks now and experiencing body swelling. Please what are the causes of body swelling after pregnancy? 

Esther V.

Body swelling after giving birth could partially be due to changes that take place during pregnancy and partially due to the delivery process itself. 

The body produces higher-than-normal levels of the hormone ‘progesterone’ during pregnancy, which causes the body to retain both sodium and water. At the same time, the expanding uterus  (womb) presses against the veins in the legs, restricting blood flow to the legs, feet and ankles, which leads to fluid build-up in the lower part of the body. With all the fluid that can build up over the nine months of pregnancy, it doesn’t automatically go away after delivery.

While some swelling is inevitable for most women, there are some potential remedies for swelling after pregnancy that may help alleviate this problem. 

1. A clean diet is an important part of a woman’s postpartum care. Eating properly can help flush out excess fluids more quickly. Focus on foods rich in protein, as well as fresh fruit, vegetables.

2. Avoid liquid food that is reach of potassium iron. 

3. Moderate exercise and activity can also reduce postpartum swelling.

4. If your legs and ankles are swollen, try elevating your feet above the level of your heart. This improves circulation and reduces the fluid build-up in your lower body. 

5. Don’t wear tight clothing as this can restrict blood flow to certain areas and increase swelling. 

6. While some swelling after pregnancy is normal, certain types of swelling are a sign of danger and shouldn’t be ignored. Swelling and pain in only one leg can indicate a severe blood clot known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and should be examined by a doctor.

7. Another sign to watch for is the onset of preeclampsia which can occur up to four weeks after delivery. Look for sudden, excessive swelling in the face or hands, and consult your doctor immediately if you notice these warning signs.